Bundikakemba Cacao Cooperative, Uganda 70% Dark Bar

Tasting notes: smooth and mellow with notes of date, nut and caramel

The beans: Grown on the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountain Range in Uganda by the members of the Bundikakemba Cacao Cooperative. The trees are intercropped with plantain, bananas and vanilla under the canopy of the tropical rainforest in a unique agroforestry system that acts as a buffer for the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Earlier in the year we started hearing reports of new anti LGBTQIA+ legislation being brought in in Uganda. An increasingly popular origin for cocoa supply, this raised questions amongst chocolate makers about how to approach this.

As we sat in an Airport Lounge on the way back from Guatemala we talked about how there are trips we wouldn't be able to go on, and how fortunate we are that we could travel with relative freedom.  As a queer business, we decided we would purchase some beans and put some money back in to the community via an organisation that helps persecuted people in dangerous situations, including working with organisations on the ground in Uganda.

To raise both awareness and some funds, we've made a delicious 70% bar with beans from the Bundikakemba Cacao Cooperative, in Western Uganga, sourced from Silva Cacao. We get notes of roasted nuts, dates and caramel! When it's gone it's gone. You'll also see our usually packaging has also had a wee re-vamp for this one!

Rainbow Railroad is an international organization that helps LGBTQI+ people escape violence and persecution to find a path to safety.

£2.50 from the sale of this bar will be donated to The Rainbow Railroad to support the work they are doing to help the LGBTQIA+ community there. Their work encompasses Emergency Travel Support, Direct Livelihood Support, Partnership Development, Response to Crackdowns, Non-Monetary Networks and Support and Private Sponsorship of Refugees.

So far we have donated £1368 to The Rainbow Railroad.

Ingredients: cocoa beans, light muscovado sugar, cocoa butter

Allergens in bold. Suitable for vegans

Made in a kitchen where milk, nuts and gluten are used.

Minimum cocoa solids 70%

Bar weight: 70g

Minimum shelf life 6 months. Please store in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight